Surface wiper system

ABSTRACT

A surface wiper device which includes a carrier which supports a blade. The carrier attaches to a wiper arm which urges the blade against and moves the blade across the surface of a windshield. The carrier further provides a plurality of outlets each of which communicate between a hollow passage inside the carrier and a location on the external surface of the carrier. A fluid can be delivered from a fluid source fluidicly coupled to the hollow passage of the carrier under sufficient pressure to be dispersed from the plurality of outlets onto the windshield during movement of the blade. A fluid heater can be thermally coupled with the fluid delivered from the fluid source to the plurality of outlets to increase the temperature of the fluid dispersed onto the windshield. The fluid can be sufficiently heated to generate a heated gas.

This U.S patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/642,427, filed Oct. 19, 2012, which is a United StatesNational Stage of International Patent Cooperation Treaty PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/000731, filed Apr. 25, 2011, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/343,068, filedApr. 23, 2010, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. BACKGROUND

Conventional wiper devices and methods of wiping, spray a washer fluidagainst a windshield or other wipeable surface from an outlet remotefrom the wiper blade and a wiper blade sweeps across the windshield toremove the washer fluid from the windshield. Even though improvementshave been made to these conventional devices substantial problems remainunresolved.

A first substantial problem with conventional wiper devices may be thatthe washer fluid sprays from a washer fluid outlet remote from the wiperblade or wiper arm. The washer fluid outlet mounted on the vehiclesprays a stream of washer fluid toward the windshield with varyingdegrees or accuracy depending outlet configuration, movement thevehicle, and other environmental parameters. Additionally, the washerfluid spray may then spread across a portion of the windshield which canobstruct the visual field of the driver.

A second substantial problem with conventional wiper devices may be thatthe external environment including actual temperature, wind chill,humidity, rain, snow, debris, or the like can effect how the washerfluid sprays from the washer fluid outlet, the washer fluid trajectory,the spray pattern, distribution on the windshield, or the like.

A third substantial problem with conventional wiper devices may be thatthe washer fluid upon contact with the windshield may spread and freeze,generate glare of incident light, or otherwise obstruct the line ofsight.

A fourth substantial problem with conventional wiper devices can be thatthe amount of washer fluid spreads over the windshield and may not beretained proximate the blade during wiping.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a wiperdevice which includes a carrier which supports at least one blade. Thecarrier attaches to a wiper arm or other fixed or extendable memberwhich can function to urge the blade against or move the blade acrossthe surface of a windshield or other wipeable surface. The carrierfurther provides one or plurality of outlets each of which communicatebetween a hollow passage inside the carrier and a location on theexternal surface of the carrier. A fluid can be delivered from a fluidsource fluidicly coupled to the hollow passage of the carrier undersufficient pressure to be dispersed from the one or plurality of outletsonto the windshield or wipeable surface. A fluid heater can be thermallycoupled with the fluid delivered from the fluid source to the pluralityof outlets to increase the temperature of the fluid dispersed onto thewindshield or wipeable surface. The fluid can be sufficiently heated togenerate a heated gas which facilitates cleaning of the windshield orwipeable surface.

Another object of the invention can be to provide a method of wiping awipeable surface with a blade coupled to a carrier which can dispersefluid which depending on the application can be a cooled liquid, ambienttemperature liquid, or heated to disperse a vapor or gas, through one ormore outlets onto a wipeable surface.

Naturally, further objects of the invention may be disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration which provides a general overview ofparticular embodiments of the windshield wiper device.

FIG. 2 is an illustration which provides a general overview of theelements included in the fluid path of a particular embodiment of thewindshield wiper device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration which provides a general overview of theelements included in the fluid path of a particular embodiment of thewindshield wiper device.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a particular embodiment of a blade coupledto a carrier correspondingly attached to a wiper arm.

FIG. 5 is an illustration which enlarges a portion of FIG. 4 to show aparticular embodiment of the blade and carrier.

FIG. 6 is an illustration which enlarges a portion of FIG. 4 to showanother particular embodiment of the blade and carrier.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the embodiment of the blade andcarrier shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an illustration which provides an alternate embodiment of afluid heater in the form of a catalyst bed fluidicly coupled between afluid source and the plurality of outlets of embodiments of the carrier.

FIG. 9 is an illustration which enlarges a portion of FIG. 4 to show aparticular embodiment of the blade and carrier.

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the embodiment of the blade andcarrier shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an illustration which provides a general overview of aparticular embodiment of the windshield wiper device configured to begrippingly engaged by a hand.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, which provides a general overview ofa particular embodiment of the surface wiper system (1) which can beused to wipe a windshield of an motor vehicle (3); however, theinvention is not so limited and the surface wiper system (1) can beutilized to wipe any surface to which a blade (4) can be pressed ormoved against whether or not the surface of a windshield (2) or windscreen, pane of glass, or the like, and regardless as to whether thesurface makes up part of an automobile (3) as shown in FIG. 1, or makesup part of another type of movable vehicle, or part of an stationaryobject such as the windows of a building, wall surfaces, or the like (a“wipeable surface” (2)).

At least one blade (4) received in a corresponding at least one bladesupport (5) of a carrier (6)(see for example FIGS. 5 and 6 and 8 and 9)can be pressed against or moved (or both) across the windshield (2) (orwipeable surface) to engage or wipeably engage an amount of wipeablematerials (39), such as solids, semisolids or liquids in the form ofparticulate, sludge, grim, dirt, droppings, sap, rain, cleaners,disinfectants, ice, frost, or the like. The wipeable materials (39) canbe moved in whole or in part from that portion of the wipeable surface(2) engaged by the blade (4). At least one blade (4) can be removed fromthe blade support (5) for replacement by another blade (4).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 4, the blade (4) supported bythe carrier (6) can be joined proximate a first end (40) to a wiper arm(7). Typically, the wiper arm (7) joins the carrier (6) by a pivot (13)having a location generally on center of the longitudinal axis (41) ofthe carrier (6). The wiper arm (7) can be configured to urge the blade(4) against or move (or both) the blade (4) across the surface of thewindshield or other wipeable surface (2). The carrier (6) can alsoinclude sufficient resiliently flexible curvature (42) between a firstcarrier end (43) and a second carrier end (44) to allow the sweepingsurface (8) of the blade (4) to flexibly conform in wiping engagementwith the wipeable surface (2) in response to forcible urging upon acentral portion of said carrier (6)(see for example FIGS. 9 and 10 whichincludes a pair of blade supports (65)(66) of a resilient flexiblematerial (45) (such as spring steel) having an amount of resilientlyflexible curvature (42) (see FIG. 9) between a first carrier end (43)and a second carrier end (44) which engage a corresponding pair ofblades (11)(12). The amount of curvature (42) in the resilientlyflexible material (45) can impart a corresponding amount of curvature(42) to each of the pair of blades (11)(12).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 2 and 3, a movement means (46) can becoupled proximate the second end (47) of the wiper arm (7). The blade(4), wiper arm (7), and movement means (46) can be configured to allowwiping engagement of the sweeping surface (8) of the blade (4) with awipeable surface (2) during operation of the movement means (46). As toparticular applications, such as motor vehicles, conventional wiper arms(7) and conventional movement means (46) can be utilized with particularembodiments of the invention. For example, the second end (47) of thewiper arm (7) can be joined to a motor through a series of mechanicalcomponents, conventionally two 4-bar linkages in series or parallel.Motor vehicles with air operated brakes sometimes use air operatedwipers, run by bleeding a small amount of air pressure from the brakesystem to a small air operated motor mounted just above the windscreen.These wipers are activated by opening a valve which allows pressurizedair to enter the motor. Motor vehicles with a vacuum manifold can drivea vacuum motor. On the certain motor vehicles, the wiper arm (7) can bedriven by a cable connected to the transmission. Certain movement means(46) are not powered, but provide a handle (48) which allows hand power.The handle (48) can be configured for grippable engagement of the hand(77)(see FIG. 11). These examples of the wiper arm (7) and movementmeans (46) are not intended to be limiting but rather illustrative ofthe numerous and varied movement means (46) which can be utilized withparticular embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the carrier (6)can be configured to retrofit conventional wiper arms (7) of motorvehicles (3) including the conventional fluid reservoir and fluid pump.

Now referring to the particular embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 through 9,the blade (4) can be configured to provide a sweeping surface (8) whichcan be urged against the wipeable surface (2). The sweeping surface (8)can extend outwardly from a base portion (9) (also referred to as the“base”) which can be secured by the blade support (5) in relation to thecarrier (6). As shown by the non-limiting example in FIG. 6, the base(9) of one blade can be centrally coupled along the length of thecarrier (6). Alternately, as shown by the non-limiting examples of FIGS.5 and 9 through 10, the base (9) of a pair of blades (11)(12) can becoupled along the length of the carrier (6) one proximate each carrieredge (10) generally in parallel relation to provide an elongate centralarea (14) of the carrier (6) disposed between the pair of blades(11)(12). A first end piece (49) can be coupled to the first carrier end(43) in generally perpendicular relation to the surface of the carrier(6). A second end piece (50) can be coupled to the second carrier end(44). Each of the first end piece (49) and the second end piece (50) canextend a sufficient distance from the surface of the carrier (6)proximate each end of the pair of blades (11)(12) to substantially closethe perimeter of the elongate central area (14) of the carrier (6).These examples of the invention, however, are not intended to belimiting with respect to the number, configuration or placement of theblades (4) in relation to the carrier (6) and any number, configurationor placement of the blades (4) useful in wiping or other engagement witha wipeable surface (2) can be utilized.

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 5 through 9, certain embodiments ofthe carrier (6) can further provide one or a plurality of outlets (15)each of which can communicate between a hollow passage (16) inside thecarrier (6) (see for example FIGS. 7 and 10) and a location on theexternal surface of the carrier (6). As shown in FIGS. 6 through 8,certain embodiments of the carrier (6) can be configured to provide oneblade support (5) which supports one blade (4). The blade support (5)can generally extend along the central longitudinal axis (41) of thecarrier (6) defining a first side (51) of the carrier (6) in relation tothe blade support (5) (or the blade (4)) and a second side (52) of thecarrier (6) in relation to the blade support (5). At least one outlet(15) can have a location on the first side (51) of the carrier (6). Asto other embodiments, at least one outlet (15) can have a location onthe second side (52) of the carrier (6), or can have at least one outlet(15) on the first side (51) of the carrier (6) and at least one outlet(15) on the second side (52) of the carrier (6). As to certainembodiments, the at least one outlet (15) whether located on the firstside (51) or the second side (52) can be located in sufficient proximityor adjacent to the blade carrier (5) to allow sealable engagement withan outlet seal (21), as further described below.

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 6 and 8, embodiments can include aplurality of outlets (15) periodically located on the first side (51) ofthe carrier (6) along the length of the blade support (5) or include aplurality of outlets (15) periodically disposed on the second side (52)along the length of the blade support (5). The plurality of outlets (15)whether disposed on the first side (51) or disposed on the second side(52) of the blade support (5) (or blade (4)) can be located insufficient proximity or adjacent to the blade support (5) to allowsealable engagement with an outlet seal (21), as further describedbelow.

As to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the pluralityof outlets (15) can configured as a linear row (19) in substantiallyparallel relation to the base portion (9) of the blade (4) or the bladesupport (5). The plurality of outlets (15) as a linear row (19) can bedisposed in relation to the base portion (9) on the first side (51) orthe second side (52) of the carrier (6) or disposed in relation to thebase portion (9) on both sides (51)(52) of the carrier (6). Again theplurality of outlets (15) whether disposed on the first side (51), thesecond side (51), or both sides (51)(52) of the carrier (6) in relationto the base portion of the blade (9)(or in relation to the blade support(5)) can have sufficient proximity or can be adjacent to the baseportion (9) of the blade (4) to allow operation of the outlet seal (21),as further described below. While the outlets (15) shown in the Figuresdefine circular orifices (53); the invention is not so limited, and theat least one or plurality of outlets (15) may be provided in a numerousand wide variety of configurations depending upon the application.

The base portion (9) of the blade (4) can be dimensionally configuredsuch that within a given range of hardness of a blade material (54) anamount of flexure (55) can be generated in the base (9). The amount offlexure (55) of the base (9) can occur in response to movement of theblade (4) on the windshield or other wipeable surface (2) can generate auseful amount of flexure (55) in the base portion (9) of the blade (4)to maintain the angle of contact (37) of the blade (4) with thewindshield (2) or other wipeable surface. The base portion (9) and thesweeping surface (8) of the blade (4) can be produced from a variety ofconventional elastomers to provide a sufficient amount of flexure (55),and as non-limiting examples: general purpose rubber such as siliconebase rubber, natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, dimethyl silicone rawrubber, methyl vinyl silicone raw rubber, methyl phenyl vinyl siliconeraw rubber, fluorosilicone raw rubber, or the like can be used not onlyas a single material but also as a blended material of two or more thantwo elastomers or rubbers within the range to satisfy necessaryproperties.

The hardness of the elastomer after the curing can be in the range ofbetween about 50 and about 80 Durometer Type A as defined by JIS-K6253.As to certain embodiments of the invention, the sweeping surface (8) (orsweeping portion) may function primarily to sweep or move wipeablematerials (5) from the windshield (2) or wipeable surface as opposed tocutting or scraping wipeable materials (5) from the windshield (2).While the sweeping property of the blade (4) may deteriorate when therubber hardness is lower than 50 as well as higher than 80 (embodimentsoccurring incrementally in the range), the invention is not so limited,and depending upon the application the hardness may be less than 50 orgreater than 80.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 through 8, certain embodiments of theblade (4) can further include one or a pair of outlet seal(s) (21)coupled to the base portion (9) of the blade (4). Each outlet seal (21)can have a configuration which upon occurrence of the amount of flexure(55) of the base portion (9) of the blade (4) engages a portion of theexternal surface of the outlet seal (21) with the at least one outlet(15) or the plurality of outlets (15) on the corresponding first orsecond side (51)(52) of the carrier (6) in relation to the base portion(9) of the blade (4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7 a non-limiting example of an outletseal (21) can have the configuration of an elongate strip (56) having afirst face (57) and a second face (58) and having a first edge (59) anda second edge (60). The first edge (59) can be coupled along thelongitudinal length of the base (9) of the blade (4). The second edge(60) can terminate at sufficient distance outward of the base (9) toallow the first face (57) to sealably engage the at least one outlet(15) upon occurrence of the amount of flexure (55) of the base (9).Understandably, an outlet seal (21) can be coupled along thelongitudinal length of the base (9) of the blade (4) in whole or in partor to a first base side (61) or to a second base side (62) or both sides(61)(62) of the base (9) and while the Figures show an outlet seal (21)coupled to both sides (61)(62) of the base (9); the invention is not solimited.

In the unflexed condition (63) of the base portion (9) of the blade (4)as shown in FIG. 6, the outlet seal (21) can extend a distance outwardfrom the base portion (9) with the first face (57) generally in parallelrelation to the surface of the carrier (6). In the flexed condition (64)of the base (9) of the blade (4) as shown in FIG. 7, which can occurduring movement of the sweeping surface (8) of the blade (4) across thesurface of the windshield (2)(or other wipeable surface (2)), a portionof the first face (57) of the outlet seal (21) can be forcibly urgedagainst the external surface of the carrier (6) to sealably engage allor a portion of the plurality of outlets (15). The term sealably engagefor the purposes of this invention means engagement which can prevent orreduce the flow of an amount of fluid (17) from one or more of theplurality of outlets (15).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 and 9, a non-limiting embodiment ofthe invention can include a pair of blade supports (65)(66) which extendgenerally in parallel relation along the longitudinal length of thecarrier (6). Each of the pair of blade supports (65)(66) can becorrespondingly coupled to one of a pair of blades (11)(12). An elongatecentral area (14) of the carrier (6) can be disposed between the pair ofblades (11)(12). At least one outlet (15) or a plurality of outlets (15)can be located or periodically located whether or not aligned in alinear row (19) between the pair blade supports (65)(66) along thelength of the carrier (6). A first end piece (49) can be correspondinglycoupled to a first carrier end (43) of the carrier (6) and a second endpiece (50) correspondingly coupled to the second carrier end (44) of thecarrier (6). Each end piece (49)(50) can extend a distance upward fromthe surface of the carrier (6) adjacent a corresponding pair of bladeends (67)(68) to substantially enclose the perimeter of the elongatecentral area (14). The substantially enclosed perimeter of the elongatecentral area (14) can be urged against the wipeable surface (2) tosubstantially enclose the amount of fluid (17) delivered from theoutlets (15) forgoing exposure to the ambient environment. As to certainembodiments, a vacuum (69) can be generated by a vacuum generator (76)(such as a vacuum pump or the like) at one or more outlets (15) tocollect the amount of fluid (17) and deliver the amount of fluid (17) toa waste container (70)(see as a non-limiting example FIG. 3).Embodiments of the invention having a pair of blades (11)(12) with orwithout end pieces (49)(50) which dispose at least one or a plurality ofoutlets (15) between the pair of blades (11)(12) can confer an advantagein that an amount of fluid (17) dispersed from the outlets (15) can beretained proximate the blades (11)(12) (and the wipeable surface (2))for a period of time which may be greater than that of conventionalblades or one bladed (4) embodiments of the invention. Additionalcleaning elements (71) can be disposed within the elongate central area(14) including, additional blades, sponge elements, scraper elements, orthe like.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 3, an amount of fluid (17)can be delivered from one or more fluid sources (18) fluidicly coupledto the hollow passage (16) of the carrier (6) under sufficient pressureto be dispersed from one or plurality of outlets (15). The amount offluid (17) can be dispersed from the at least one outlet (15) onto thewindshield (2) or wipeable surface (2) during wiping engagement ormovement of the blade (4). The fluid (17) can be any fluid compatiblewith and flowable from the fluid source (18) through the hollow passage(16) of the carrier (6) and dispersed through one or a plurality ofoutlets (15). As non-limiting examples, the amount of fluid (17) can bewater, alcohol, detergent, surfactant, cleaners, disinfectants, or thelike whether individually or in various permutations and combinations.Depending on certain factors relating to the amount of fluid (17) suchas density and viscosity and depending upon the amount to be dispersedfrom one or more outlets (15) over a period of time the dimensionalrelations of the fluid source (18), conduits (20) and the plurality ofoutlets (15) can be adjusted to disperse a sufficient amount of fluid(17) from the plurality of outlets (15) for a particular application. Asto certain embodiments, the hollow passage (16) can comprise a pluralityof hollow passages (16) each fluidicly coupled to one or more outlets(15) with each of the plurality of hollow passages (16) coupled to oneor more than one fluid source (18). Each fluid source (18) can containdifferent fluids (17) which can be correspondingly dispersed fromdifferent outlets (15).

While various embodiments of the invention are shown in the Figures ashaving a carrier (6) configured as a generally flat rectangular elongatemember defining within a hollow passage (16); the invention is not solimited, and the carrier (6) can have a wide variety of configurationscapable of supporting the blade (4) and providing the hollow passage(16) through which fluids (17) can be dispersed. The carrier (6) canhave a substantially rigid fixed configuration or sufficient flexure toassist in engaging the blade (4) with the wipeable surface (2). Nowreferring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a pair of blade supports (65)(66) can bedisposed in a substantially flat bottom portion (72) of the carrier (6).The flat bottom portion (72) of the carrier (6) can provide sufficientresiliently flexible curvature (42) between the first carrier end (43)and the second carrier end (44) to allow the sweeping surface (8) of theblade (4) to flexibly conform in wiping engagement with the wipeablesurface (2) in response to forcible urging upon a central portion of thecarrier (6), as above described. The top portion (73) of the carrier (6)can be configured to with a greater or lesser amount of surface area(74) and extending a greater or lesser distance from the bottom portion(72) of the carrier (6) to generate an amount of aerodynamic force basedon the velocity of the carrier (6). The aerodynamic forces can beassistive in forcibly urging the blade (4) against the wipeable surface(2). The top portion (73) as to certain embodiments can be configured asan airfoil (75) to distribute air flow about the carrier (6) in mannerwhich directs aerodynamic forces through the carrier (6) to the blades(4) or a pair of blades (11)(12). The blade (4) and the carrier (6) mayfurther provide a level of transparency which can afford a line of sightthrough the carrier (6).

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 3, embodiments of theinvention can further provide a fluid heater (22) thermally coupled withthe amount of fluid (17) delivered from the fluid source (18) to theplurality of outlets (15). The fluid heater (22) can increase thetemperature of the amount of fluid (17). The heated amount of fluid (17)can be dispersed onto the windshield (2) or other wipeable surface. Asto certain embodiments of the invention, the fluid (17) can besufficiently heated to be dispersed from the plurality of outlets (15)of the carrier (6) in whole or part as a heated gas(es) (23) such as anamount of water converted to an amount of steam.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid heater (22) can takea numerous and wide variety of forms. As one non-limiting example shownin FIG. 3, a housing (24) can be provided with one or more separateserially connected heating chambers (25) defining a fluid (17) flow pathfrom an inlet port (26) to an outlet port (27). Each heating chamber(25) can be provided with one or more electric immersion heatingelement(s) (28) and can further provide a temperature sensor (29) forproducing a signal (30) indicative of the fluid (17) temperature in thatheating chamber (25). The heating element (28) of each heating chamber(25) can be independently controlled by a control system (31) responsiveto signals (30) from each of the temperature sensors (29) and the signal(30) so that the heating element (28) in a heating chamber (25) can beenergized only if the sensed fluid temperature in that heating chamber(25) is less than the desired outlet port (27) temperature. The numberof heating elements (28) energized can be regulated to the flow rate,necessary or desired fluid temperature and heating capability of theheating elements (28). This particular description of a fluid heater(22) is not intended to limit the invention to any particular device ormethod of increasing the temperature of the fluid (17); and any mannerincreasing the temperature of the fluid (17) can be utilized to satisfya particular application. An energy source (37) for operation of thecontrol system (31), the heating elements (28), and the fluid flowgenerator (32) can take the form of alternating current, direct current,a battery, or the current provided by an interconnected network fordelivering electricity to an electrical outlet, or generated by agenerator, alternator, or the like.

As to certain embodiments, the fluid heater (22) can heat a flow of air(76) which can be delivered to the outlets (15) of the carrier (6).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8, as a second non-limiting example, thefluid heater (22) can take the form of a catalyst bed (38) fluidiclycoupled between the fluid source and the plurality of outlets (15) ofthe carrier (6). The catalyst bed (38) having an internal surface whichsupports a catalyst ( ) in the form of a group 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11transition metal. The fluid (17) delivered from the fluid source (can bein the form of a mixture of peroxide and an organic compound in a ratiofrom about 0.2:1 to about 6:1. The reaction can be exothermic, so afterthe reaction has started it may continue with little or no additionalheat input. The catalyst bed (38) can achieve temperatures of betweenabout 150° C. and 250° C. with the products of water, hydrogen, carbondioxide, and carbon monoxide in the form of heated gases or heatedliquid vapor. See for example, Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication WO2007/015070, hereby incorporated by reference to the extent necessary toenable the catalyst bed (38) and the fluid (17) in the form of a mixtureof peroxide and an organic compound which reacts exothermically uponcontact with the catalyst bed.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid (17) can bedelivered from the fluid source (18) by a fluid flow generator (32). Thefluid flow generator can for example take the form of a submersible pumplocated inside of the fluid source (18)(as shown for example in FIG. 2)or a pump located outside of the fluid source (18) (as shown for examplein FIG. 3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3, the fluid source (17) can take theform of a fluid source housing (33) configured to matingly receive afluid container (34) (whether refillable or disposable). Typically, thefluid container (34) contains an amount of fluid (17) and upon beingmatingly received by the fluid source housing (33) becomes fluidiclycoupled to the flow path which delivers an amount of fluid (17) to theplurality of outlets (15) of the carrier (6). As to certain embodimentsof the fluid container (34) can provide a plurality of fluid chambers(36) each separately delivering an amount of fluid (whether the same ordifferent) which can be proportionally mixed and delivered from thefluid source (18). The fluid container (34) can be removed and seriallyreplaced by additional fluid containers (34) which contain the same ordifferent fluids (17) or fluid mixtures. An auxiliary fluid port (35)can be fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow path between the fluid source(18) and the plurality of outlets (15).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an inventive wiperand methods making and using the inventive wiper including the bestmode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of “a wiper” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “wiping”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “wiping”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of “wiper” and even a “means forwiping.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” one particular value to “about” anotherparticular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodimentincludes from the one particular value to the other particular value.Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. It will be further understood that theendpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to theother endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Unlessotherwise expressly described embodiments of the invention occur withinthe range in increments of five percent. In the absence of any expresswritten value, “about” means within +/−10 percent of the numerical valueindicated.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the surface wiper systems herein disclosed and described, ii) therelated methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, andeven implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intendedto describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferredembodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadestembodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of theinvention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right todevelop further claims based upon the description set forth above as apart of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similarapplication.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A wiper, comprising: a carrier having anexternal surface defining a longitudinal length disposed between acarrier first end and a carrier second end, said carrier having aninternal surface defining a hollow passage, said carrier having at leastone outlet which communicates between said internal surface of saidcarrier and said external surface of said carrier, said at least oneoutlet configured to deliver an amount of fluid from said hollow passageto said external surface of said carrier; a blade support disposed insaid carrier extending along the longitudinal length of said carrierbetween said carrier first end and said carrier second end, said bladesupport configured to removably receive a base of at least one blade; afluid source configured to contain an amount of liquid, said fluidsource fluidicly coupled to said hollow passage in said carrier; a fluidflow generator fluidicly coupled to said fluid source capable ofgenerating a flow of said amount of liquid between said fluid source andsaid at least one outlet of said carrier; and a fluid heater fluidiclycoupled to said fluid source capable of controlling temperature of saidamount of liquid.
 2. The wiper of claim 1, wherein said blade supportgenerally extends along the central longitudinal axis of said carrierand wherein said at least one outlet has a location adjacent a firstside of said blade support.
 3. The wiper of claim 2, wherein said atleast one outlet has a location adjacent a second side of said bladesupport.
 4. The wiper of claim 3, wherein said at least one outlethaving a location adjacent said first side of said blade support oradjacent said second side of said blade support comprises a plurality ofoutlets periodically located adjacent said first side of said bladesupport along the length of said blade support and a plurality ofoutlets periodically located adjacent said second side of said bladesupport along the length of said blade support.
 5. The wiper of claim 3,further comprising: an outlet seal coupled to said base, wherein saidbase flexes to engage said outlet seal with said at least one outlet. 6.The wiper of claim 5, wherein said outlet seal comprises an elongatestrip having a first face and a second face and having a first edge anda second edge, said first edge coupled along the longitudinal length ofsaid base, said first face sealably engages said at least one outlet. 7.The wiper of claim 5, wherein said outlet seal comprises a pair ofelongate strips each having a first face and a second face and eachhaving a first edge and a second edge, said first edge of each of saidpair of elongate strips coupled along the longitudinal length of saidbase on opposed sides, each said first face correspondingly sealablyengages said at least one outlet on said first side of said bladesupport or said at least one outlet on said second side of said bladesupport.
 8. The wiper of claim 7, further comprising a sweeping surfacecoupled to said base.
 9. The wiper of claim 1, wherein said bladesupport disposed in said carrier comprises a pair of blade supportsextending in generally parallel relation along the longitudinal lengthof said carrier between said carrier first end and said carrier secondend, said pair of blade supports configured to correspondingly removablyreceive a pair of bases of a pair of blades.
 10. The wiper of claim 9,wherein said outlet comprises a plurality of outlets periodicallylocated between said pair blade supports along the length of saidcarrier.
 11. The wiper of claim 10, further comprising a first end piececorrespondingly coupled to a first end of said carrier and a second endpiece correspondingly coupled to said second end of said carrier, eachof said first end piece and said second end piece extend a distance fromsaid carrier adjacent correspondingly adjacent a pair of first ends anda pair of second ends of a pair of blades correspondingly received insaid pair of blade supports to establish a perimeter about an elongatecentral area of said carrier.
 12. The wiper of claim 11, furthercomprising a pair of bases correspondingly received in said pair ofblade supports; and a pair of sweeping surfaces corresponding extendingoutward from said pair of bases.
 13. The wiper of claim 12, wherein saidcarrier has sufficient resilient curvature between said first end andsaid second end to allow said pair of sweeping surface to flexiblyconform in wiping engagement with said wipeable surface by opposedforcible urging upon a central portion of said carrier.
 14. The wiper ofclaim 1, wherein said fluid heater comprises a catalyst bed whichsupports an amount of catalyst.
 15. The wiper of claim 14, wherein saidcatalyst comprises a transitional metal selected from a groupconsisting: a group 7 transition metal, a group 8 transitional metal, agroup 9 transitional metal, a group 10 transitional metal and a group 11transition metal.
 16. The wiper of claim 15, wherein said fluid heaterconverts said amount of liquid to a gas.
 17. The wiper of claim 16,further comprising a fluid source housing, said fluid source removablyreceived in said fluid source housing.
 18. The wiper of claim 17,further comprising a plurality of fluid chambers which subdivide saidfluid source.
 19. The wiper of claim 18, wherein said fluid sourcecomprises a plurality of containers each fluidicly coupled to said atleast one outlet of said carrier.
 20. The wiper of claim 19, whereinsaid amount of liquid exothermically reacts on fluidic engagement withsaid catalyst.
 21. The wiper of claim 20, wherein said amount of liquidcomprises an amount of peroxide mixed with an organic compound.